What is the ‘hip-drop’ tackle NFL Competition Committee proposing rule to penalize?

From touchdown celebrations to pass interference penalties, each NFL rule dictates player conduct and game flow. However, controversies often arise, sparking debates among fans and analysts.

Nevertheless, NFL rules remain the heartbeat of America’s most beloved sport. The league imposes these rules to ensure fairness of play and the safety of the players. The ‘hip-drop’ tackle is one move that has emerged as a controversial technique in the NFL. Now, this controversial tackle is set to face adversity under the proposed new rules of the league.

What is the ‘hip-drop’ tackle in the NFL?

The hip-drop tackle is a defensive technique that involves encircling the runner before dropping the defender’s weight onto the opponent’s ankle or knee. It aims to bring them down to the ground. While it can be effective, especially when a smaller defender confronts a larger opponent, concerns about player safety have prompted calls for its prohibition.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in collaboration with Troy Vincent, the league’s executive vice president of football operations, earlier expressed a firm stance against the hip-drop tackle. The decision stemmed from mounting evidence suggesting that this tackle significantly increases the risk of injury, with statistics indicating a 25-fold higher risk compared to standard tackles.

The controversy surrounding the hip-drop tackle garnered widespread attention during the 2022 postseason. Prominent players, including Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys, sustained injuries attributed to this technique. These incidents have raised alarm bells within the league and prompted calls for decisive action to address the issue.

A notable example of the tackle’s impact unfolded during a Week 11 matchup last season between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson executed a hip-drop tackle to bring down tight end Mark Andrews, resulting in a cracked fibula for the injured player.

NFL Competition Committee proposing rule to penalize ‘hip-drop’ tackles

The NFL Competition Committee is poised to revolutionize the game with a proposed rule targeting “hip-drop” tackles. Simultaneously, they plan a significant overhaul of kickoffs, aimed at enhancing returns while upholding player safety. These proposed changes are scheduled for presentation during the upcoming league meetings. However, approval hinges on a majority vote from 24 out of 32 team owners, via the Baltimore Ravens official site.

However, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has voiced opposition to this proposed rule alteration. The authority cited concerns over its enforceability and potential confusion for players, coaches, officials, and fans alike.

The NFL Players Association issued a statement Wednesday that read, “The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a ‘swivel hip-drop’ tackle. While the NFLPA remains committed to improvements to our game with health and safety in mind, we cannot support a rule change that causes confusion for us as players, for coaches, for officials and especially, for fans. We call on the NFL, again, to reconsider implementing this rule.”

The competition committee has proposed several additional changes aimed at refining gameplay. These include adding replay review for situations where the game clock runs out prior to a snap, reviewing plays where a player is down by contact or out of bounds before making a pass, increasing penalties for crackback blocks to players in motion, and allowing major fouls to carry over following a change of possession.

However, certain aspects of the game, such as the “tush push” quarterback sneak that even Tom Brady warned about and the rule regarding touchbacks resulting from a fumble through the end zone, remain untouched by proposed alterations.